In approximately 2/3 of younger-middle aged cats that present with these clinical signs, no definitive diagnosis can be made and therefore this syndrome is called feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). Refereed papers. Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource Nivy R, Segev G et al (2019) A Prospective Randomized Study of Efficacy of 2 Treatment Protocols in Preventing Recurrence of Clinical Signs in 51 Male Cats With Obstructive Idiopathic Cystitis. Another option is gabapentin, which has broad application for management of neurogenic pain (which we know plays a big role in FIC), though there are no specific data supporting its use here. What about prednisone? What Is Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC) in Cats? Feline idiopathic cystitis, also known as feline interstitial cystitis or FIC for short, is a type of feline lower urinary tract disease that causes inflammation of the bladder in cats. Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) is a common condition affecting cats that causes signs of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), such as blood-tinged urine, straining or painful urination, and urinating in abnormal places. FIC is a complex condition caused, in part, by stress and can be very painful for affected cats. Managing Feline Idiopathic Cystitis in Cats “Following acute treatment of FIC, at-home management is critical to prevent flare-ups,” says Dr. Spragley. While FIC might not affect your cat’s lifespan, Dr. Spragley notes that most cats “will have recurrent episodes throughout their life and will do well if those episodes are treated Feline idiopathic cystitis. Few treatments for FIC have been investigated by well-controlled double- blinded experimental studies. Most are recommended from uncontrolled clinical observations and, since FIC is usually self-limiting, many treatments appear effective, so all treatments should be considered with appropriate caution. Reduce stress Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) is the most common feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), making up 55–67% of cases; 1–4 however, it remains poorly understood. . Cats with FIC present with hematuria, pollakiuria, stranguria and periuria, and in the most severe cases may experience urethral obstruction (UO). 5,6 These non-specific signs overlap with those of urolithiasis, urethral In cats, gabapentin is most often used as a pain medication for chronic pain, such as from arthritis. Gabapentin is also recognized as beneficial in reducing the fear responses that a kitty may have to the stress of handling and being examined at the vet. This paper reviews the available evidence for the treatments for feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). The true pathophysiology of FIC can vary between patients, and includes intrinsic abnormalities, increased sensitivity to stressors, reduced nerve sensitivity or an abnormal sympathoneural outflow. Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC for short) is a common cause of FLUTD in younger cats. So, what is FIC? It turns out to be a defect in the way a cat handles stress. Affected cats have systemic disease rather than a lower urinary tract disorder, similar to humans with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. 1,2 Stress is a key contributing factor of FIC, 2,3 and cats often have one or more comorbidities (ie, Pandora syndrome). 1,4 FIC usually self-resolves; however, outcomes may be extreme (eg, owner The signs of Feline Idiopathic Cystitis resolve spontaneously within a few days in around 85% of cats, whether or not treatment is given. However, cats with obstructive FIC (complete urinary obstruction) need urgent, life-saving, emergency treatment, so it is critically important that all cats that show signs of FIC are promptly examined by a veterinarian. Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) is the exclusionary diagnosis made once all the common or known causes of the clinical signs of abnormal urination have been eliminated. FIC was previously called Idiopathic feline lower urinary tract disease or iFLUTD. Some studies suggest this condition is very similar to interstitial cystitis in human females. According to pet experts and veterinarians, the safe dose of gabapentin for treating seizures in cats is 2-5mg/lb or 5-10mg/kg every 8 to 12 hours. For feline pain, the ideal amount of the medicine is 1.25 to 2 mg/kg every 12 hours. When the cause of cystitis—inflammation of the bladder—in cats remains unknown despite thorough diagnostic evaluation, it is referred to as feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). In large retrospective studies of cats with FLUTD conducted at University of Minnesota and Ohio State University, FIC was the most common diagnosis (54% and 79% of cats FIC occurs when a ‘susceptible cat is placed in a provocative environment’. The changes in the bladder epithelium result from alterations in the cat’s nervous and endocrine systems, leading to exaggerated arousal and an inability to cope with environmental stress. Gabapentin is a medication commonly used in cats for long-term pain relief. It is also used to manage your cat’s fear and anxiety during stressful events. Side effects are typically limited to temporary sedation and problems with balance. The best management for FIC in cats is minimization of stressors. Feliway diffusers diffuse a pheromone in your home that can reduce stress in cats. In the same vein, gabapentin is a medication that is often prescribed to reduce stress and anxiety in cats prior to veterinary visits, travel, etc.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |